Millions of dollars in one-time spending authorized by state lawmakers earlier this year are set to be dispersed to school districts across New Mexico, including funding meant to strengthen school security. Earlier this year, New Mexico lawmakers passed House Bill 450, which included $50 million for school security improvements, career technical education facilities, and repairs […]
Author Archives: Alex Ross
Alex Ross is a senior politics and legislative reporter for the New Mexico Political Report. He began his career in daily journalism in Montana and previously worked as a breaking news and politics reporter for the Roswell Daily Record and as the Roswell Bureau Chief for KOB.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Bregman campaign fundraising picks up, Haaland campaign still holds edge
Democratic hopeful for governor Sam Bregman has seen an influx of dollars flowing into his campaign since April, but not by enough to cut into the huge cash advantage of Deb Haaland, his lead rival for the nomination. Campaign finance reports filed this week with the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office show that Bregman, […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Garcia Richard halts lieutenant governor bid due to husband’s health
Stephanie Garcia Richard is suspending her campaign for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of New Mexico, citing her husband’s health. Garcia Richard, who is also currently the state’s Public Land Commissioner, broke the news on her campaign’s Facebook page on Thursday afternoon that her husband was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. “Over the […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Maestas vows continued fight for accountability in State Auditor reelection bid
New Mexico State Auditor Joseph Maestas officially announced his reelection bid on Tuesday, vowing to continue what he described as a “fight for accountability, transparency, and innovation in New Mexico’s public entities and officials.” Maestas, a Democrat, touted in a campaign press release a first-term record that he described as uncovering millions of dollars of […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov
Heinrich touts proposal to protect govt workers during shutdown, Vasquez backs one-year extension of health insurance tax credits
The federal shutdown is entering a third week and there is little prospect for a solution anytime soon. But New Mexico legislators in Washington are using their privileges to introduce legislation by pushing for a path to compromise and help for federal workers stuck without a paycheck until a compromise is reached. Sen. Martin Heinrich […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Herrell backs Cunningham for GOP nomination in key congressional race
Former Rep. Yvette Herrell (R-NM-02) has officially endorsed Greg Cunningham to be the Republican nominee in the race for the congressional district she previously represented. Cunningham, who earlier this month launched his bid for the seat now held by U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), went public with Herrell’s support Monday with a statement from his […]
Posted inNM Legislature
Freshman state senator steps down citing health concerns
State Sen. Nicholas Paul (R-Alamogordo) has resigned from the Legislature, less than a year after the businessman was elected to the New Mexico Senate. “After much prayer and reflection, my family and I have decided that due to current and ongoing health concerns, it is necessary for me to prioritize my health,” Paul said in […]
Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy
Holtec abandons plans for New Mexico nuclear waste storage facility opposed by gov, legislators
Holtec Industries has pulled out of an eight-year-old land use agreement with local stakeholders in Southeast New Mexico for the construction and operation of an underground temporary nuclear waste storage facility. Patrick O’Brien, a spokesperson for Holtec, confirmed in an email to New Mexico Political Report on Thursday that the decision for Holtec and the Eddy […]
Posted inNM Legislature
NM’s vaccine shake-up: Governor acts to set independent immunization standards amid CDC turmoil
A bill that temporarily allows New Mexico to formulate its own immunization policy was signed Wednesday by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Senate Bill 3, which passed on a party-line vote during last week’s special session but had not yet been acted upon by Lujan Grisham, requires that immunization policy for children and the state purchase […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov, New Mexico
Leading NM House Republican calls on U.S. Senators to support government funding bill
A leading Republican state legislator is calling on New Mexico’s two Democratic U.S. Senators to reverse their opposition to a short-term government funding bill, after the Legislature passed its own fix to address the expiration of federal health insurance tax credits. Last week, New Mexico House Minority Floor Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena) posted a screenshot […]